By: Archipelagal
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2017 in Gratitude

2017 – what a whirlwind.

For some unknown reason, tonight I feel the weight of a year’s worth of exhaustion. I could think of a few reasons – the unexpected noche buena cooking, competitive present wrapping, excessive Christmas pudding – who knows? It could be any of the three, or worse, (and most likely) a dangerous combination of all of them. The possibilities are endless. Either way, this has fairly contributed to this feeling of … resigned festive cheer. It’s like I’ve been grabbed by the back of my shirt and dragged through the dirt road that was 2017. I found myself saying to a friend earlier this week that I was “so done with this year.” I am only slightly ashamed by this skepticism, but I am also pretty sure that I am not alone in this sentiment.

However, I am a firm believer that the remedy for sorrow is not happiness, but gratitude.

At the end of December I like to hopelessly mull over the year’s milestones. It’s a great reality check and it keeps me grounded. My husband says that I am the most driven, yet impatient person he has ever known. His theories on this “now-oriented” mindset of mine ranges from generational gap to downright personality type. Nonetheless (and this does not mean that I agree with him!) I find that keeping track my breakthroughs – or just happy thoughts and memories – helps me focus on “the bigger picture.”

So here it is, my yearly breakthrough round-up: the little things, the big things, the soul moments that get me thinking, laughing, crying, but most importantly living 🙂

In 2017, I am endlessly grateful:

Jan

Feb

March

April

May

June

July

August

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

Thank you to everyone who have made this year extraordinary – you all make this journey worthwhile. As mentioned earlier, nothing fights off my year-end blues better than finding things to be grateful for. I just realised that every year could be my year – if I make it to be. And so with this, 2018, I embrace you with a expectant heart and a relentless spirit!

Your Archipelagal
C

Hi there! Thank you very much for taking time to read my first post for 2018. I am curious as to what end of the year “rituals” or observances you and/or your family/friends have? I would love to hear about them and how you feel they affect you in terms of preparing for the coming year 🙂

You can get in touch by leaving a comment below, leaving a message on my contact page, or by simply sending an email to archipelagal@gmail.com.